Ghost stories and an archaeology dig are two of many events planned for the Retro-Expo on October 14.

Ghost stories from the hallways and campus of Hamline University will be one of the featured presentations at Hamline's Retro-Expo, an event to celebrate Hamline's 150th anniversary. Other presentations include information on the Sorin Sisters (Hamline's first graduates), and a timeline of Hamline firsts. The event will begin at 11 a.m. on October 14 in Hamline's Giddens/Alumni Learning Center. All events are free and open to the public.

"We wanted to plan an event that was especially student-focused," said Kristin Mapel Bloomberg, one of the organizers of the event and a professor in the College of Liberal Arts. "Our goal for the afternoon's activities is to generate school spirit and pride in Hamline, as well as to educate our campus community about Hamline's unique--and enjoyable--history."

Campus ghost stories have always been whispered from one Hamline generation to another. Old Main, Sorin Hall, Manor Hall, and Anne Simley Theater are a few of the places where ghosts are rumored to roam on Hamline's forty-four acres. The Retro-Expo will provide an opportunity for participants to learn about the stories that have been told, and to share their own ghostly encounters. The presentation will be held from 2 - 3 p.m.

Hamline University was founded in 1854 and in 1859 Hamline graduated its first class. The class consisted of two women, Elizabeth A. Sorin and Emily R. Sorin, who were not only Hamline's first graduates, but also the first graduates of any college or university in Minnesota. The women also went on to earn the first master's degrees in Minnesota in 1863. Details about the Sorin sisters' lives and legacy will be shared at a presentation from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Hamline's pioneering spirit lasted long after the school was founded as Minnesota's first university. Hamline is home to a number of "firsts" including: Organized and hosted the world's first intercollegiate basketball game; Offered Minnesota's first advanced writing degree; Offered Minnesota's first, and the nation's second, accredited weekend law option; and many more. Details about Hamline's "firsts" will be presented from 12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

In addition to the three presentations, exhibits will be set up from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Exhibits include: Pictures with the Hamline Piper; Color the Bishop; Famous Alumni; Sports History; History of Student Organizations; and Liner yearbook exhibit.

The festivities will move outdoors at 3:15 p.m. where guests will be introduced to Hamline's "Big Dig." An archaeological excavation on the site of Hamline's old science building, known originally as the Hall of Science, is currently underway. Guests are invited to learn how they can join the dig and literally see the history under their feet. The Big Dig is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays through November 18.